In September, France will be hosting over 22,000 delegates at the Annual Congress of the European Respiratory Society (ERS), which will be held in Paris. This is a perfect example of the country’s appeal as a destination for the organisers of international congresses.
In this sector, and within a highly competitive context, the dynamic nature of destinations in France is a major strength. The recent overhaul of the Paris Convention Center, and the opening of the Grand Hôtel Dieu in Lyon, the new congress centre in Angers and the Parc Expo in Bordeaux are prime examples of the continued efforts taking place with regard to innovation and a desire to be at the forefront of the latest trends.
The facilities and infrastructure within the country, the professional expertise of those hosting major events, France’s magnificent cultural heritage, as well as the importance given to creativity are all assets recognised by congress organisers. It is not a surprise, therefore, to find that 8 French cities (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes and Strasbourg) feature in the top 100 of leading European destinations in the latest ICCA rankings.
Through its 71 competitiveness poles, ranging from health and aeronautics to digital and eco-technologies, France is also able to offer congress organisers a highly dynamic environment for research and innovation which is in line with their specific sector or their research theme.
In order to provide tailored support to international organisations in the planning of their future congresses in France, the France Meeting & Convention Board has just published its France, a successful congress destination brochure, a tool that will enable organisers to select their next congress destination in France based on criteria such as facilities available, their capacity, the specific expertise by sector of each destination, R&D, competitiveness poles etc.
France, a leading congress destination
8French cities in the top 100 of the ICCA European rankings
71 highly innovative competitiveness poles
Close to 150 congress venues ranging in capacity from 150 to 8,000 delegates
Over 3,500 2-5* hotels
18 airports offering easy international access
